Chapter and Membership Advisory Council (CMAC)

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Tim,

I met Hardy at a conference (I think it was WEC!) several years ago - he does have great ideas.

In looking at what's been done in the past, the number of sessions held varies and the challenge is often having to choose between chapter leader sessions and other educational offerings.  Based on the WEC agenda, the 8am sessions on Wed & Thurs are before GS so nothing is scheduled, so those would definitely be good slots to use. Wed lunch session could be a good choice - the challenge would be that leaders would need to grab lunch and get to the meeting space (not sure what the venue setup is).

Hardy's topics are all good - is he presenting any other sessions? If my memory serves, we don't usually bring in outside paid speakers for these sessions - we usually have CMAC members or facilitators lead these sessions as they have intimate knowledge of MPI-specific challenges.

Just helping get the ball rolling here!

Thanks,

Carolyn

Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM, HMCC

Owner & Chief Solution Strategist |     

<maskemail>crb@...</maskemail>

203-240-1633

www.carolynbrowning.com

Schedule time with me! https://calendly.com/crb/30min

Upcoming OOO:

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Yes!  Planning additional opportunities on top of the concurrent sessions always is a challenge that is nearly impossible to overcome.  Last year we held sessions during 30 minute breaks or during networking times which also presented some challenges.

Using external speakers is possible but presents some challenges when they need to be registered for WEC in order to host a Chapter Leader Sessions.  Let's not rule anything out but know you have options.  Hardy is merely a suggestion to consider.

Tim,

I met Hardy at a conference (I think it was WEC!) several years ago - he does have great ideas.

In looking at what's been done in the past, the number of sessions held varies and the challenge is often having to choose between chapter leader sessions and other educational offerings.  Based on the WEC agenda, the 8am sessions on Wed & Thurs are before GS so nothing is scheduled, so those would definitely be good slots to use. Wed lunch session could be a good choice - the challenge would be that leaders would need to grab lunch and get to the meeting space (not sure what the venue setup is).

Hardy's topics are all good - is he presenting any other sessions? If my memory serves, we don't usually bring in outside paid speakers for these sessions - we usually have CMAC members or facilitators lead these sessions as they have intimate knowledge of MPI-specific challenges.

Just helping get the ball rolling here!

Thanks,

Carolyn

Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM, HMCC

Owner & Chief Solution Strategist |     

<maskemail>crb@...</maskemail>

203-240-1633

www.carolynbrowning.com

Schedule time with me! https://calendly.com/crb/30min

Upcoming OOO:

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Yes!  Planning additional opportunities on top of the concurrent sessions always is a challenge that is nearly impossible to overcome.  Last year we held sessions during 30 minute breaks or during networking times which also presented some challenges.

Using external speakers is possible but presents some challenges when they need to be registered for WEC in order to host a Chapter Leader Sessions.  Let's not rule anything out but know you have options.  Hardy is merely a suggestion to consider.

Tim,

I met Hardy at a conference (I think it was WEC!) several years ago - he does have great ideas.

In looking at what's been done in the past, the number of sessions held varies and the challenge is often having to choose between chapter leader sessions and other educational offerings.  Based on the WEC agenda, the 8am sessions on Wed & Thurs are before GS so nothing is scheduled, so those would definitely be good slots to use. Wed lunch session could be a good choice - the challenge would be that leaders would need to grab lunch and get to the meeting space (not sure what the venue setup is).

Hardy's topics are all good - is he presenting any other sessions? If my memory serves, we don't usually bring in outside paid speakers for these sessions - we usually have CMAC members or facilitators lead these sessions as they have intimate knowledge of MPI-specific challenges.

Just helping get the ball rolling here!

Thanks,

Carolyn

Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM, HMCC

Owner & Chief Solution Strategist |     

<maskemail>crb@...</maskemail>

203-240-1633

www.carolynbrowning.com

Schedule time with me! https://calendly.com/crb/30min

Upcoming OOO:

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Topic suggestions from Mark Bice:

Maybe a session on "Leading Volunteers"?

How to Recruit Volunteers

Sponsorship Tricks and Tips (Wisconsin got a RISE for their work…)

Effective and Efficient Board Meetings

Maybe a RISE Award "Ted Talk" Each RISE winner gets 5 minutes to give their 3 best takeaways from their winning submission efforts

Maybe do three sessions, one each for Small, Medium, and Large Chapters. Each have their own unique issues and people could share their successes.

Yes!  Planning additional opportunities on top of the concurrent sessions always is a challenge that is nearly impossible to overcome.  Last year we held sessions during 30 minute breaks or during networking times which also presented some challenges.

Using external speakers is possible but presents some challenges when they need to be registered for WEC in order to host a Chapter Leader Sessions.  Let's not rule anything out but know you have options.  Hardy is merely a suggestion to consider.

Tim,

I met Hardy at a conference (I think it was WEC!) several years ago - he does have great ideas.

In looking at what's been done in the past, the number of sessions held varies and the challenge is often having to choose between chapter leader sessions and other educational offerings.  Based on the WEC agenda, the 8am sessions on Wed & Thurs are before GS so nothing is scheduled, so those would definitely be good slots to use. Wed lunch session could be a good choice - the challenge would be that leaders would need to grab lunch and get to the meeting space (not sure what the venue setup is).

Hardy's topics are all good - is he presenting any other sessions? If my memory serves, we don't usually bring in outside paid speakers for these sessions - we usually have CMAC members or facilitators lead these sessions as they have intimate knowledge of MPI-specific challenges.

Just helping get the ball rolling here!

Thanks,

Carolyn

Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM, HMCC

Owner & Chief Solution Strategist |     

<maskemail>crb@...</maskemail>

203-240-1633

www.carolynbrowning.com

Schedule time with me! https://calendly.com/crb/30min

Upcoming OOO:

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Topic suggestions from Mark Bice:

Maybe a session on "Leading Volunteers"?

How to Recruit Volunteers

Sponsorship Tricks and Tips (Wisconsin got a RISE for their work…)

Effective and Efficient Board Meetings

Maybe a RISE Award "Ted Talk" Each RISE winner gets 5 minutes to give their 3 best takeaways from their winning submission efforts

Maybe do three sessions, one each for Small, Medium, and Large Chapters. Each have their own unique issues and people could share their successes.

Yes!  Planning additional opportunities on top of the concurrent sessions always is a challenge that is nearly impossible to overcome.  Last year we held sessions during 30 minute breaks or during networking times which also presented some challenges.

Using external speakers is possible but presents some challenges when they need to be registered for WEC in order to host a Chapter Leader Sessions.  Let's not rule anything out but know you have options.  Hardy is merely a suggestion to consider.

Tim,

I met Hardy at a conference (I think it was WEC!) several years ago - he does have great ideas.

In looking at what's been done in the past, the number of sessions held varies and the challenge is often having to choose between chapter leader sessions and other educational offerings.  Based on the WEC agenda, the 8am sessions on Wed & Thurs are before GS so nothing is scheduled, so those would definitely be good slots to use. Wed lunch session could be a good choice - the challenge would be that leaders would need to grab lunch and get to the meeting space (not sure what the venue setup is).

Hardy's topics are all good - is he presenting any other sessions? If my memory serves, we don't usually bring in outside paid speakers for these sessions - we usually have CMAC members or facilitators lead these sessions as they have intimate knowledge of MPI-specific challenges.

Just helping get the ball rolling here!

Thanks,

Carolyn

Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM, HMCC

Owner & Chief Solution Strategist |     

<maskemail>crb@...</maskemail>

203-240-1633

www.carolynbrowning.com

Schedule time with me! https://calendly.com/crb/30min

Upcoming OOO:

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict

Hello 2026 CMAC!

As mentioned during our call today, FACT will be sourcing speakers and topics for the Chapter Leader Lounge sessions at WEC.  Let's use this thread to share ideas on topics and/or speakers.

Let me start the ideas... Back in October i met with Hardy who pitched the following sessions to me.  Sharing his contact info and the ideas he shared. 

Speaker: Hardy Smith, IOM, 

Author, Stop The Nonprofit Board Blame Game

I work with nonprofits & associations who want to benefit from fully engaged boards

386-451-0652

Website: www.HardySmith.com 

Creating Success for Chapter Leaders

This session will emphasize

1.     Why working with a plan is critical for chapter success

2.     How to recruit and develop future chapter leaders

3.     How to create a positive member experience

Communicating Effectively for Chapter Leaders

1.     Chapter leaders attending this session will:

2.     Develop awareness of why communicating effectively is important

3.     Gain understanding of communication preferences

4.     Get tips and techniques for effective communications

5.     Benefit from learning about communication mistakes to avoid

 Requested topics for possible series of webinars related to conflict resolution

1.     Why conflict happens in volunteer organizations

2.     When can conflict be used to create productive engagement among board members

3.     Resolving conflict among board members

4.     The board's role in mitigating conflict